If you’re a fan of classic banana bread and have a love for Reese’s peanut butter cups, then Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread is the perfect fusion dessert for you. This rich, moist bread combines the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the creamy, nutty delight of peanut butter, all punctuated by the sweet crunch of Reese’s pieces. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a decadent treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/2 cup Reese’s pieces or peanut butter chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well. - Combine the Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. - Incorporate Reese’s
Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. - Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle Reese’s pieces or peanut butter chips over the batter, if desired. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Serve
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the banana bread warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, spread a layer of peanut butter or chocolate sauce on each slice. Pair with coffee or milk for the perfect indulgence.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture. It will add a slight crunch to the banana bread.
2. What can I substitute for Reese’s peanut butter cups?
If Reese’s aren’t available, you can use chocolate chips, other peanut butter candies, or even chopped peanuts for a similar effect.
3. How can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients, like Reese’s, are also gluten-free.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg), use dairy-free butter, and opt for vegan peanut butter cups and Reese’s alternatives.
PrintREESE’S PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BREAD
This indulgent banana bread is enhanced with creamy peanut butter and studded with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (reserve a few pieces for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Add-ins:
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, reserving a few pieces to sprinkle on top.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the reserved Reese’s pieces on top for decoration.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Ensure the peanut butter is well-mixed and not oily, as this can affect the texture of the bread.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.